Sea Otter Classic 2025: Season Opener, take 2 with Two Days of Racing, One Podium, and Plenty of Sand
The festival vibe, the energy from the crowds, the race course chaos— Sea Otter Classic is a crazy week consisting of part racing, part reunion, and 100% full-gas. This year the event turned into my season opener and I decided to take on two big days—the Lifetime Grand Prix gravel race on Thursday (90miles, 10,200ft of climbing) and the iconic Fuego XL cross-country mountain bike race on Saturday (70miles, 9800ft of climbing). I felt ready, well prepared, and I just needed to stay patient and execute on race day.
Day 1: The Gravel Race
The Lifetime Grand Prix gravel race kicked off with high energy and nerves humming. A big women's field (which is so awesome to see), big power sections, and plenty of competitors hungry to make their mark early in the season. Things started fast up the racetrack where I found myself well-positioned going into the fast, loose 5-mile downhill before kicking back up again. As the group barreled toward the first real selection point, a paved climb just before Feed Zone 1, that’s where the hammer really dropped.
For me, it was the second pavement climb where I just fell apart and was on damage control for the rest of the day. Not how I wanted the race to go, but we can only go up from here. From that moment on, the race became a test of patience and firepower. I spent the majority of the day in chase mode, bridging where I could, working with other women, and doing my best to limit losses. It wasn’t the result I came for or the performance I know I am capable of, but it was still a massive effort to start my season off. Gravel’s funny like that. Some days you're on, some days you're not.
Day 2: Fuego XL
Lining up for the Fuego XL, the legs weren’t exactly fresh—but the fire was still there. We started on the racetrack, and I made a point to go from the gun, charging up the climb and finding myself tucked in behind none other than Olympic silver medalist Haley Batten as we entered the singletrack. That was a moment I won’t forget. I held her wheel, taking in the flow and ferocity of her lines, but eventually the elastic snapped. Still, I didn’t give up. I settled into my own rhythm and kept pushing—every climb, every descent, every twist of trail. I was racing full gas, but also having fun. The kind of fun that only comes when you're deep in the red, chasing something big. In the end, I crossed the line in 2nd place, completely gassed and really proud of that effort.
Sea Otter is wild! Two days of racing for me, two very different stories—one all about the grind, the other about grit. But we all know this event isn't just about the racing—it's a celebration of everything that makes bike culture awesome. This community, the excitement, all the challenges, interacting with the younger generation, and everything in between. To finish the weekend with a 2nd place in the Fuego XL was a big accomplishment for me. I’m stoked about where the form is at, and even more excited for what’s next.
And hey—gear matters! I raced in my custom Eliel Santa Ana road suit and El Capitan kit. Comfort, style, and performance—it made all the difference out there. Let’s keep it rolling!
Photo credit: Taylor Chase